Atty. David K. Cheng

Atty. David K. Cheng

David Cheng is the chair and managing partner of Nixon Peabody’s China and Asia-Pacific practice. He is qualified in both the United States and Hong Kong.

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Profile Summary

About David K. Cheng at a glance

David K. Cheng is a tax attorney based in San Francisco, California, practicing at Nixon Peabody LLP. Educated at Golden Gate University (J.D., 1999). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Tax Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — International Mergers and Acquisitions (2026). Serands clients in San Francisco, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • David Cheng is the chair and managing partner of Nixon Peabody’s China and Asia-Pacific practice
  • He is qualified in both the United States and Hong Kong
  • He focuses on cross-border transactions, litigations and investigations, advising on issues ranging from acquisitions, capital financing (initial public offering), intellectual property protection and disputes to fraud, FCPA and SEC investigations
  • He has a client portfolio from all over the world: United States, Middle East, Europe, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, mainland China and Hong Kong
  • What do you focus on?
  • With a practice in international transactions and disputes and as a former U.S
  • Department of Justice attorney that had litigated over 90 cases in the U.S
  • Federal District Courts, my focus is very broad
  • Examples include: (1) advising on tax and corporate structures and conducting due diligence related to cross-border acquisitions and capital financing projects, assisting clients to minimize their risks and global tax impact (as part of that process, I have also advised clients on IP, employment, immigration and other local government requirements issues)
  • and (2) representing clients in disputes and investigations potentially leading to litigations (this can range from tax or IP disputes to fraudulent acts by employees to government investigations (such as FCPA, U.S
  • Department of Justice, SEC and FMC))
  • I have also been the independent counsel of the Audit Committee in SEC investigations for various international companies based in Asia

Practice Areas Explained

David K. Cheng's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases David K. Cheng handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Tax Law

Tax attorneys handle IRS audits, tax debt, international tax, estate planning, and tax court litigation.

David K. Cheng is one of 85,302 tax attorneys indexed nationally. Browse tax attorneys in California →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in California

Practicing law in California. Legal matters in California are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in San Francisco are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate California state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in California brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in California courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in San Francisco or all attorneys in California.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about David K. Cheng

Where is David K. Cheng's law office located?
David K. Cheng's law practice is located in San Francisco, California. The firm is Nixon Peabody LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does David K. Cheng handle?
David K. Cheng focuses on tax. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in California.
Where did David K. Cheng go to law school?
David K. Cheng earned their education at (J.D., 1999).
How can I contact David K. Cheng for a consultation?
You can contact David K. Cheng directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has David K. Cheng received?
David K. Cheng's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Tax Law; Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:; Best Lawyers in America — International Mergers and Acquisitions; Best Lawyers in America — International Trade and Finance Law; Best Lawyers in America — Litigation and Controversy - Tax.

Practice Areas

Education

J.D.
Golden Gate University
- 1999

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Tax Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — International Mergers and Acquisitions
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — International Trade and Finance Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation and Controversy - Tax
- 2026

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